Wallingford Historic Preservation Trust - A common set of objectives

All of these projects share a common set of objectives:

To open to the public, particularly young people, historic places that are real, touchable, tangible, and interactive - that open the imagination to what knowledge of the past can offer.
To demonstrate, via educational programs that show preservation and restoration techniques the average old-house owner can use on his or her own home, how older and historic buildings can be reused and restored.
To show that the historic preservation of older buildings and the promotion of heritage tourism can be accomplished within a real, middle-class community, as opposed to a re-created and removed "village" setting or a gentrified, upper-income community.

Examples of how these objectives will be met:

The Royce House

At the Royce House, a 1672 saltbox home which was part of the original settlement of Wallingford, life in the 17th century New England wilderness will come alive through demonstrations of how settlers constructed homes, cleared land, cooked food, and lived. Character actors will take on the roles of town founder Nehemiah Royce, his wife, and his children.

The Blakeslee House

Here visitors will be able to participate in archaeological digs of the site, "unearthing" 18th century artifacts left behind by the families who lived in this modest 1780's farmhouse. Exhibits will guide visitors in understanding what these artifacts tell about life on an 18th century farm and encourage them to explore and protect archaeological areas in their own towns and neighborhoods.

The Muddy River School House

At the Muddy River Schoolhouse, a circa 1810 one-room schoolhouse, the value Americans have historically placed on education will be brought to life as a multimedia presentation, using light and sound, will show how children were taught to read, write, and do mathematics during the early 19th century.

The Franklin and Harriet Johnson Mansion

The Franklin and Harriet Johnson Mansion, once it has been restored, will become the home of the American Silver Museum. At this elegant Victorian home, visitors will learn about the growth of Wallingford's late 19th century silver industry and view skilled craftsmen demonstrating how silverware is made. Tours through the home will point out all of a Victorian family's proper items of silver proudly displayed. Character actors will bring to life the roles of members of the Johnson household, including the family's Irish immigrant maids.

At All of the Properties

At each and every property, visitors will see and be able to participate in demonstrations of ongoing restoration - how clapboards are repaired, plaster restored, and hardwood floors redone.

Linking The Projects Together

Back To the Home Page || Membership ||

Introduction || Goals || Our Projects || Objectives || Help || Contact Us

|| E-mail ||